News Release

Media Contact

Luke JoyceDirector of CommunicationsDepartment of Justice and Public Safety709-729-6985, 725-4165lukejoyce@gov.nl.ca

Thursday, March 24, 2016

Following investigations conducted by Fish and Wildlife Enforcement
Officers, there have been a number of convictions in recent months
related to illegal hunting activities in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Incidents related to improper firearm use and storage are
particularly concerning due to the significant risk to public
safety.

On January 19, 2016, at Provincial Court in St. John's, Steven
Linthorne of Marysvale pled guilty to hunting big game without a
licence, was fined $1,000 and given a five-year hunting prohibition
from holding or applying for a moose or caribou licence.

On February 2, 2016, at Provincial Court in St. John's, Alan Lee of
St. Mary's pled guilty to hunting big game with a licence on which
he was not named and possessing a firearm without a licence. Mr.
Lee was fined $1,250 and given a five-year hunting prohibition on
holding or applying for a moose or caribou licence.

On February 4, 2016, at Provincial Court in Clarenville, Perry
Simmonds of Lethbridge was convicted for discharging a firearm from
or across a public road. He received a $1,000 fine along and a
five-year hunting prohibition on holding or applying for a moose or
caribou licence. One moose, a rifle and a 2015-16 moose licence
were forfeited. Also on February 4, 2016, at Provincial Court in
Clarenville, Bernard Maidment of Clarenville was convicted for
hunting big game without a valid licence. He received a $1,000 fine
along with a five-year hunting prohibition on holding or applying
for a moose or caribou licence.

On February 9, 2016, at Provincial Court in Port Hope Simpson,
Bradley Hancock was fined $1,000 and received a five-year
prohibition from holding or applying for a moose or caribou licence
for the selling of big game on the menu of a restaurant which he
owned.

On March 10, 2016 at Provincial Court in St. John's, Walter Reddick
of Tors Cove pled guilty to hunting big game without a licence and
possessing a firearm without a licence. Mr. Reddick was fined
$1,150 and given a five-year prohibition from holding or applying
for a moose or caribou licence.

On March 16, 2016 at Provincial Court in Grand Falls-Windsor,
Frederick Harris of Goulds was convicted of illegal possession of
big game stemming from an investigation that took place in Gaultois
on September 12, 2015. Mr. Harris was given a $1,150 fine along
with a five-year prohibition from holding or applying for a moose
or caribou licence. All items used in the offence were forfeited to
the Crown including a 2015 Chevrolet Colorado truck.

On March 17, 2016, at Provincial Court in Clarenville, Bruce Thorne
of Norman's Cove was convicted for discharging a firearm from or
across a highway. He received a $2,000 fine along with 15 per cent
victim surcharge and a five-year prohibition from holding or
applying for a moose or caribou licence. A quantity of moose, a
2015-16 moose licence, a bolt action rifle and scope, and other
hunting equipment were seized and forfeited to the Crown. Mr.
Thorne was originally apprehended in October 2015 on the
Trans-Canada Highway near Arnold's Cove after officers received
tips from the public.

The public plays a significant role in assisting officers in
protecting the province's wildlife and fish resources by reporting
any suspicious activity. This can be done anonymously and toll-free
at any time of the day, by calling 1-877-820-0999, or Crime
Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. Anonymous online reports can also be
submitted atwww.stoppoaching.ca orwww.nlcrimestoppers.com.